Members of Parliament from Zambia and Malawi held a meeting to discuss the impact of social protection programmes on the poor and vulnerable as well as challenges encountered in their constituencies.

During the discussions, the Parliamentarians reiterated that social safety nets contribute to economic development among vulnerable populations especially women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities and reduce inequalities.

The meeting further appreciated that investing in social protection interventions is a game changer for their constituents. They cited the GEWEL project, Constituency Development Fund, investments in health and education as significant as they transformed lives of people as evidenced by the increased learner enrollment following the introduction of the free education policy, reduced child marriages, increased access to health care services and livelihood and empowerment programmes at community level.